Caesarea Nestleton Euchre: Jocelyn Bradbury came in first place and also had the most lone hands. Roy Bradburn finished in second place. Ben Crawford came in third. Jacky Attfield finished in fourth place. Brigitte Moase finished in fifth place. Gord Paisley and Dianne Slute tied for low score. Nestleton Euchre meets every Thursday evening (except holidays) in the Nestleton Community Centre, located at 3971 Hwy 7A. Play starts at 7:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

Blackstock & District Lions Club: Our Lions are looking forward to our visit from our District Governor, Jean-Claude Lagrange, and the induction of our new members. Watch for more details. It's soon going to be Lions Effective Speaking time. Students in grades 4 - 6 are eligible to enter the Junior Division of our competition. We host a local competition, then the winners proceed to the District level. Those winners go on to the Multiple District level, which is equivalent to a provincial competition. More in the new year.

Cartwright Central Public School presents “A Snow White Christmas” on Thursday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m. This is a collaborative event featuring cast members from grades one through eight. There will also be additional performances by the kindergarten, grade one and two classes, as well as The Cartwright Concert Band, and The Cartwright Strings. The entire evening utilizes student-directed technology and stage crews.

Advance tickets for seating are available at first come, first serve, but general admission tickets are $2 per person at the door.

This past Sunday, on December 9th, those attending worship services at the Blackstock-Nestleton United Church were treated to special Christmas music played on their violins by Faith Moore, Taylor Swain and Alyssa Carnaghan. Abbey and Kate Elliott also performed a lovely piano duet, in keeping with the season.

On Sunday, December 16th, the choir will sing Cantata "The Wondrous Story,” followed by a lunch of soups and treats, with any donations going partially to the Operation Scugog Food Bank. Services begin at 9:45 a.m., and all are welcome. There will also be a Christmas Eve service to which all are invited at 7 p.m. on December 24th.

This week’s Euchre winners are: Minnie Ayling came in first place. Lawrence McLaughlin came in second place. Jocelyn Bradbury came in third place and also had the most lone hands. Joan Graham finished in fourth place. Eileen Nelson came in fifth place. The Blackstock Euchre Club meets every Tuesday evening in the Blackstock United Church Hall, except holidays. Play starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp, and everyone is welcome.

To submit items for consideration in Blackstock Shorelines, please email them to link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication date.

Only 15 days until Christmas day. For all who attended The Christmas Tractor Parade in Enniskillen on Wednesday evening, I'd like to say that it was an amazing parade. This is the time of year that families get together to celebrate.The Short family gathered at the hall at the Seagrave Church on Saturday afternoon. Over 40 cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles enjoyed a delicious pot luck supper. On Sunday afternoon, the family of Ken and Eleanor Sturman gathered at the Sturman home.

The production of “Mamma Mia” the musical, at the Town Hall in Port Perry was absolutely awesome. Congratulations to everyone involved.

On Saturday, Paul Arculus launched his new book entitled “Nip 'n Tuck” at the Scugog Memorial Library. It is a history of the Port Whitby, Port Perry and Lindsay Railway. Paul spoke to a packed house about various interesting stories with hints of the humour that is in his book. There is no lack of talent in our area.

Our prayers are with Irene Sutch who underwent heart surgery on Monday and to any others who are dealing with health issues.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Minister Stephanie whose birthday is on December 14th. Brooke Acton's birthday is on December 11th and she visited the birthday box. A belated Happy Birthday goes out to Bailey Taylor whose birthday was on December 6th.Fifty three Samaritan’s Purse shoe boxes were delivered to Woodstock on Tuesday by Tara Taylor, Howard Payne and Rick McAskill. They worked one 4 hour shift of sorting, along with others, who processed 5,000 shoeboxes.

Eleven children thoroughly enjoyed the “Science at Church Rocks vs. Minerals” with geologist Cathy on Sunday, and each left with a gem stone to remind them of their experiment.

The greeters at church were Katie O'Hara and Bill Richmond. Jack and Elizabeth Redshaw lit the Christ Candle, and read the 2nd Advent reading. They lit the 1st candle of HOPE and the 2nd candle of PEACE. The scripture reader was Barb Martyn. The choir sang a lovely anthem entitled “Star Child”. Minister Stephanie asked the youth and young at heart, what does peace mean to you? She asked one side of the congregation talk to one another, and then asked other side to take a deep breath, relax and think of inner peace, and then she reversed the process. Stephanie’s message was about the busy Christmas season, with company coming, and the extra effort we take at this time of the year for decorating, sprucing up the house, buying and wrapping gifts, and doing all the cooking and baking. This a lot of work, and there are so many things demanding our attention and that is what we do. It was suggested that we take the time to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace, and clear a path, and open our hearts to hope, joy and love, and ask the Holy Spirit for peace in our lives. Take a deep breath and bring the true spirit of Christmas into your hearts.Tara Taylor read the Mission and Service report, entitled “Love Thy Neighbours”. Those wishing to place poinsettias in the church in memory of loved ones, please contact Diane Puckrin at (905) 985-2489. Also contact Diane before December 12th to submit names in bulletin.

December 2nd to December 23rd. Please bring a non-perishable food item or paper product for the Scugog Food Bank. The box is at the back of sanctuary.

December 2nd to December 30th . We are looking for donations of clean, gently used towels, bedding and travel size toiletries to be donated to “A Place Called Home” in Lindsay. The box is at the back of sanctuary.

December 16th at 9:15 a.m. Guest speaker is Doug Ferris of Greenbank.

December 16th at 2:00p.m. Tinsel and Tears Service, Blue Christmas, with Minister Stephanie.

December 24th at 4 p.m. Wagon Rides with the Durwards. Christmas Service is at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome.

January 19th at 7.30 p.m. The Joyful Noise Choir is coming to the Seagrave Church. Enjoy the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and sing along or dance in the aisles. Tickets are $20. Contact Rick at (905) 985-8383, or Keith (905) 985-2489 or Linda (905) 985-8856. The event will be followed by light refreshments and treats.

Many beautiful Christmas programs are happening in our area and surrounding communities.

Next Sunday, on December 15th, at 7 p.m. at the Greenbank Church, the talented young singer, Naomi Bristow, will bring her Christmas Concert for all to enjoy. Admission is by donation.

Last Friday evening, the Sunday School children presented a play involving the business of the season, and the reason for Christmas by dramatizing the stable scene, the Nativity, and the birth of Jesus. It was followed by the six to eleven year olds making their ukulele debut, and singing a Christmas Carol as they played. They did a great job. Thanks to two very dedicated leaders, Leslie Martens and Holly Smith, and pianist Valerie Hunter, and any other unnamed volunteers who have helped over the year, and continue to serve.

Special thanks also to the sixteen youth, their leaders Denise Bell and Nancy Rensink, and other helpers who gave their third BlackLight Puppet presentation following the Sunday School concert. It was awesome. The youth group travelled to the Brooklin United Church on Sunday, December 9th, for their final performance of 2018.

The Friday night concert concluded with a visit from Santa Claus, and I was told nearly ninety treat bags were handed out to youngsters who were in attendance with families and friends. The line up to meet Santa was long.

On Thursday evening, December 6th, seven Greenbank Hall and Park Board members were recognized for 35 years (each) of volunteer service in our community, by the Township of Scugog. Certificates of Appreciation for 35 years were presented to Marg Prohaska, Cathy Galberg, Larry Doble, Brian Lee, Barb Ward, and Al and Lila Clarkson. A standing ovation was given to Rodd Foster as he was presented with his Certificate of Appreciation for 55 years of dedicated service. It was truly a remarkable moment for those sharing that milestone with him.

On Saturday, the Port Perry Little Rock's team took part in their first Youth Curling Fun Spiel at the Annandale Curling Club. Team members included Ryne Fisher, Rachel Ashton, Thomas Gainey, Alex Greenwood, and Jay Fisher. This excited team, sponsored by Comfort House Heating and Cooling in Greenbank, came in second place out of ten teams, and won a prize of $100. Well done team members.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Al Clarkson, whose father James Clarkson passed away at St. Joseph's Hospice in Sarnia on December 2nd.

It was also sad to hear that Ken Thoms' son Peter died recently after a battle with brain cancer. The Thoms family lived in Greenbank for a time. Now Ken lives in Stouffville.

Sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Carol Wilbur of Utica who died Monday, December 10th. Carol grew up in Greenbank prior to her marriage to her late husband, Hillis. Cancer won another battle. Many are facing and dealing with illnesses, and are in our prayers, especially, Stephanie's mother, Irene, as she faces heart surgery on December 10th, at Toronto General Hospital.

Happy Birthday on December 14th, to Minister Stephanie.

The second Sunday of Advent included the lighting of the Christ candle and the Candle of Peace by Hilary Balmer. The scriptures were read by Pat Raines, and messages of peace were given to the children and adults. The children took their Advent 2 stickers to place on their wreaths in Sunday School. Marita Parsons shared the Mission Minute “Peace to All”, prepared by Pauline Reed. Pauline is now living in Whitby, and joins us as she is able. We give thanks for her continued service of M&S awareness.

The Music of Ministry offered by the choir was titled “Dream a Dream”, and was accompanied by Valerie Hunter.

Next Sunday, the guest speaker will be Doug Ferris. He is one of our congregation members who is a student at Emmanuel College, and is leaving a teaching career to follow God's call. However, Doug gave a homework assignment for next week's message. He asked that we watch the movie “It's a Wonderful Life”.

A joint offering meeting will be at 7 p.m., on December 13th, at the Greenbank Church. Meditation with Stephanie is on December 14th, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., at Greenbank Church. A Tinsel and Tears service, Blue Christmas, with Minister Stephanie will be at the Seagrave United Church, on Sunday, December 16th, at 2 p.m.

The Christmas Eve Service is at 7:30 p.m., on December 24th, at the Greenbank Church. All are welcome. Communion will be served.

Congratulations to Jordan, Alison, Alex, and Kelly McKay at Willowtree farm, for first time earning the Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer Award. The family just returned from Winnipeg, where they were awarded the “Canadian Outstanding Young Farmers Award”, sharing this with Craig and Jinnel Ferance of Alberta. We are so proud of you and your staff for your amazing accomplishments.

Come and join the congregation at Epsom Church at 11 a.m. for the 3rd Sunday of Advent - “Joy”. Remember to bring your contributions for the Uxbridge and Port Perry Food banks on December 16th. On Christmas Eve, the church service is at 8:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the birth of God's Son.

It has been another gloomy weather week, with only a few sparse hours of sun shining. I understand that November was a record month for not seeing the sun. Can you imagine living in the North where it is dark most of the day for several weeks? It must be pretty depressing, but I guess you get used to it.

Things are gearing up for the Christmas season and there are events and concerts, with many different styles, of Christmas and seasonal music. There are also Santa Parades, tractor parades, still craft sales and many shows being held to get you to part with your money. It really is a wonderful time of the year, and you can forget the cold and snow while enjoying these things.

On Monday, Lorraine Ottolini and I attended the last Living Waters Presbytery, held at the Stouffville United Church. There were 76 ladies present, but about a dozen of us may no longer continue in this Presbytery. There will also be a name change to this church and it will no longer be called Living Waters. As mentioned previously, Zephyr, Sandford, Uxbridge, Goodwood and Epsom will be in what is presently called the Lakeridge Presbytery, in Bay of Quinte Conference. All these names will be changed as well. This Presbytery is much smaller in area; consequently being far less to travel to meetings. Time will tell how it works out. The UCW executive from both of the Presbyteries have been meeting for some time, and have tentative plans for the future.

On Thursday afternoon a huge number of friends and family gathered for a Celebration of Life for Ross Smalley at the Sandford Hall. The children and some grandchildren gave their remembrances, eliciting quite a bit of laughter. Travis sang as a solo tribute to his grandfather, “The Green, Green, Grass of Home”. I was sitting beside some relatives who had never heard him sing before, and I know they were quite impressed.

The Bethesda Reach WI met at Epsom United Church on Thursday evening. There were a number of visitors present and the guest speaker was Kate Johnson. Kate showed slides and spoke of her experiences in Austria, which was a trip which she won from the Junior Farmers. During her time there she also travelled to other nearby countries such as Holland and Germany.

On Friday, I was at the Salvation Army Kettle, and it was an interesting 2 hours as a number of friends wandered by and stopped to chat. The money ball was getting quite full when I left, and there were still several hours for collection to come. Thanks to all those who donated.

Karen Shreeve hosted a get-together for some ladies at her home on Friday evening. The party was hosted by a representative of Aloette beauty products. A good time was reported by all.The “Fantasy of Lights” was being assembled on the weekend, and it looks like it’s going to be another bumper show because there were very few vacant areas unclaimed. There appeared to be quite a few new exhibitors this year, outnumbering last year’s participants, which itself was a record. Xi Epsilon Upsilon is fortunate to keep our favoured spot under the big pine tree. Make sure you take a drive or walk through when it is officially opened.

When coming home from Elgin Park I noticed that there was a pair of trumpeter swans on the pond. I returned back on Sunday and was fortunate that the swans were right at the bank, and so I was able to get some close-up pictures. They are really hanging around later than usual; perhaps because some people are feeding them. There is a goose hanging around too. He is not with the large flocks wheeling around every day, but he is by himself, because he had a broken wing and cannot fly. He is also being fed, so I hope he survives.

Karen and Jerry Popadynec hosted a meal for the Harwood family on Saturday, in order to show off and introduce their 2 newest granddaughters, Cecelia and Natalie who were born on September 28th and October 29th respectively. Congratulations to all. Happy birthday to Ron Herrema.

The Bethesda/ Reach WI organized a trip to see Mamma Mia at the Town Hall in Port Perry and a large group of members, spouses and friends enjoyed this great show. The music was wonderful as was the acting. The only cast name I recognised was Cathy Christoff, who sang beautifully, and executed her part so professionally. That lady ought to be in the movies. Thanks to Barb Weese and Corinne Croxall for organizing this outing.

On Sunday church there was a joint service at Zephyr, and we welcomed back Reverend Eiko from her trip to Japan. As well as being the first Sunday of Advent, it was also communion Sunday and we prepare for the coming of Christmas.

On Thursday this week the UCW will get together for their Christmas meeting. There will be special music, a worship period, a craft time and a time to designate where our charity gifts might go. All ladies from the community are welcome to attend at 1 p.m.

Next Sunday, on December 9th, the service will be in Sandford at 10 a.m. To the Sandford people, please bring your White Gifts for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank in Uxbridge. Following the service we will enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The ladies might bring some dessert to top it off.

On December 16th, we are back at Zephyr and on December 23rd church will be held in Sandford. The format of this service is still being planned, as is the arrangements for a Christmas Eve service. Everyone is invited to attend these services with us.

Birthday wishes go out to my sister and Blackstock resident, Virginia Phillips, who turned 39 again this past Monday.

The Blackstock Co-op Nursery School held its annual “Breakfast with Santa & Friends”, on Sunday, December 2nd . Approximately 450 people attended the pancake breakfast, with several sitting for pictures with Santa courtesy of Rachel Callan Photography. Many enjoyed bidding on the more than 100 items in the silent auction as well as they enjoyed the book and bake sale. “Breakfast with Santa & Friends” is the largest annual fundraiser for the Blackstock Co-op Nursery School, a non-profit organization committed to providing a positive learning experience for children in the Blackstock and surrounding area for over 40 years now.

This week’s Euchre winners were: Alma Manns came in first place and also had 21 points in one hand.

Elmo Gibson finished in second place. Shirley Oldfield came in third place. Bryan Allemang finished in fourth place, and Pat Allemang came in fifth place. Shirley Oldfield and Keith Van Camp tied for the most lone hands.

The Blackstock Euchre Club meets every Tuesday evening in the Blackstock United Church Hall (except holidays). Play starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp, and everyone is welcome.

Congratulations to Holli and Brian Lee, who won Canadian Limousin Show Female of the Year. The award was presented to them at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina last week.

To submit items for consideration in Blackstock Shorelines, please email them to: link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication date.

It was wonderful to be a part of a neighbourhood gathering in Epsom Utica as we celebrated the 2nd annual Christmas Pot Luck at the Utica Hall. Thank you to all for making this evening a success. I journeyed to Greenbank to see the Black Light Puppeteer show and it was an awesome production. Thanks to all who worked so hard to create this event. A welcome awaits you to the 2nd Sunday of Advent "Peace" at the Epsom church. It was exciting to be on the sidelines of both Uxbridge and Port Perry's Santa Claus Parade. The Christmas season must be here now. Email to: faye.eagesnest@gmail.com with your news items.

Caesarea Nestleton Euchre: Bill Churchill was first. Doug Day and Donna Traynor finished in second place. Doreen Sheehey came in third. Norm Lackner finished in fourth place. Carter Roberts and Brigitte Moase tied for fifth place. Doug Day, John Kay and Bill Churchill tied for the most lone hands.Ralph Swain had the low score. Nestleton Euchre meets every Thursday evening (except holidays) in the Nestleton Community Centre, located at 3971 Hwy 7A. Play starts at 7:30 p.m., and everyone is welcome.

The December 8th Folk Music Night at the Greenbank Hall features “The Marigolds”. For tickets or information please call (905) 985-8351.

Euchre continues every Thursday and Friday (none on this Wednesday, December 5th) until the end of the year. Starting time is 7:30 p.m., at the Greenbank Hall.

The Lions Club met December 5th, for its last meeting of 2018. In January, the new members will be installed. To join, please call (905) 985-2723.

The school fundraisers are always well supported, and the “Poinsettia” sales were the best yet. The “Chocolate Campaign” is winding down. “Crazy Hat Day” is on every Friday throughout December, with a $2 donation from hat wearers, that will go in support of the Greenbank United Church Mission Team's trip to Guatemala, in April 2019. The school is most appreciative of the support given, as is the Mission Team.

Pauline Young is having a Christmas Craft Sale on Saturday, December 8th, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at her home, located at 1479 Cragg Rd. East. This is a chance to shop locally.

I am sorry to report the passing of Evelyn Heron, nee Ianson, of Peterborough, on Saturday, December 1st, after a brief illness and hospital stay. Evelyn is the daughter of Jim and Dorothy Ianson, and sister to Shirley Lee and Frances Walker. She grew up in Greenbank, attended the Greenbank Public School, and Port Perry High School. She married Keith Heron of Wick, where they farmed for a while before moving to Norwood, and then to Peterborough after the death of Keith. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 7th, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Ashburn Funeral Home, in Peterborough. Sincere sympathy is extended to Evelyn's children Kim, Cathy, Michael, and to her sisters Shirley (Murray) Lee and Frances, and to their families and extended families, and friends.

We remember those dealing with health issues. Those who are known to me are: Ken L., Irene Sutch, and Allison. To those who are shut-ins, and those unknown to me, we wish them well.

The Greenbank Blacklight Puppeteers once again “wowed” the audiences with their Friday and Sunday performances to a full audience, both times at the Greenbank Church. They will perform again this coming Friday, December 7th, following the Sunday School children's Christmas concert program at the Greenbank United Church, starting at 7 p.m. Come and enjoy listening to the 3 – 10 year olds, and our youth, as we celebrate the reason for Christmas; Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in Jesus.

Singer Naomi Bristow, (Country, Gospel & Yodeller) returns to the Greenbank Church on Saturday, December 15th, at 7 p.m. to perform her Christmas Concert. Admission is by donation at the door, with proceeds going to the Church Accessibility Fund. For information please call (905) 985-4504, or (905) 985-2090, or go to this website address: www.greenbankchurch.com.

Anyone wishing to place a poinsettia or flower in the sanctuary in memory of a loved one at Christmas, please contact Valerie at (905) 985-3586, or email valerieaprilhunter@gmail.com by December 15th.

The greeters at the Greenbank United Church this past Sunday were Joanne and Ron Doble. They welcomed everyone to the Advent I service.Vetha Pashley lit the Christ Candle and the candle of Hope, and also read the Scriptures. The pianist was Valerie Hunter who accompanied the singing of the hymns and the choir's anthem was “Still, still, still,” which was lovely.

Minister Stephanie talked to the children about the meaning of Advent and their hopes. Each child was given a wreath (Advent wreath) with a star sticker to represent Hope, and with which to add symbols of Advent 2, 3, and 4 as each week arrives.

The Mission Minute, with Marita Parsons, was a thank-you to our Ministers who are also supported through M & S givings, to go towards training, and continued education.

A skit entitled “Review Board Weekend In Heaven” was presented by four readers. The angels were played by Doug Ferris, Doug Watson, Hillary Balmer, and Carla Puckrin. They met with God, played by Juli Myers, to discuss the church year and more. This is a part of Stephanie's message to us of the coming of the Christ, and that the “Word”, given to all nations, and written in most languages in “ink”, can be seen thorough translations of the Bible, and by the choices made by mankind.

Happy Birthday wishes to go to projectionist Doug Watson, and any others who celebrated last week.

The Baird family Christmas group gathered in the church Hall for their extended families' time together on Sunday afternoon.